All about turtles - About the red-eared turtle. Red-eared turtles Project on the theme of red-eared turtles

In the wild, red-eared turtles live in the southeastern part of North America. But, thanks to their charm, turtles have spread throughout the world. The domestic red-eared turtle has long ceased to be a rarity, but does not lose popularity.

Appearance

Young red-eared turtles are bright green. As they grow up, they darken. The neck and limbs of the turtle are covered with variegated stripes, white and green. Behind the eyes the turtle's head is decorated oblong red spots, for which it is called red-eared.

During the first 2 years of life, the domestic red-eared slider grows rapidly and reaches up to 20 cm in length. Subsequently, the growth rate decreases to 1.5 cm per year. Life expectancy of red-eared turtles - from 30 years or more. Therefore, when purchasing a cute little turtle, keep in mind that you are starting a long relationship with a fairly large pet.

Description

The red-eared turtle is a medium-sized reptile, which, depending on its gender, has a length of the upper part of the shell (carapace) from eighteen to thirty centimeters. The body of the reptile is hidden in a reliable and durable shell, which consists of bone covered with horny plates. The thin long tail, head and limbs remain outside and, in case of danger, are retracted under the armored shields.

The head of the individual is covered with a hard horny covering, which successfully compensates for its lack of teeth, forming sharp edges on the edge of the jaws. The red-eared slider spends most of its life in the water, having webbed swimmers on its hind legs and flattened forelimbs.

The red-eared turtle has undeveloped vocal cords and therefore can snort in excitement and hiss in defense. The individual has a fairly developed sense of smell and vision, and its eyes, which are located on the sides, are reliably protected by movable eyelids. Despite the underdeveloped hearing, the reptiles navigate well by it and hide in the water at any rustle.

In the area of ​​the reptile's ears there are spots or stripes of red color, and in some of its subspecies they can be yellow. Nature has generously endowed the Red-eared turtle with an unusual and amazing shell pattern, the continuation of which can be seen on its limbs and head in the form of green and white wavy spots and stripes. The oval lower part of the shell (plastron) of the individual is dark in color with yellow lines. Young carapace has a bright green color, which becomes yellow-brown or olive with age. The life expectancy of the reptile is thirty years.

Habitat of the red-eared slider

The red-eared turtle is widespread throughout the world, and its habitat covers the following areas:

• United States of America
• Venezuela
• Colombia
• Central America
• Mexico
• Israel
• Guadeloupe
• Spain

Classification

In nature, there are 15 subspecies of the Red-eared turtle, of which only three are the most famous:

• Yellow-bellied slider
• Trust's Tortoise (Cumberland Tortoise)
• Red-eared slider

Trachemys scripta – species of red-eared turtle (lat. decorated, painted),
Testudines - order of turtles lat.
Slider - English slider - an unofficial, but well-known name in zoological circles for the red-eared turtle.
Tortoise, turtle - English turtle.
Schildkröte, Schildpatt – German tortoise.
Tortue, écaille – French tortoise.

Red-eared slider: care

Red-eared turtles can be kept in groups or alone. But in any case, it is necessary to keep in mind that for one individual you need aquaterrarium with a volume of at least 110-130 liters. You should not assemble a group of only males. Otherwise, there will be constant battles for territory. Also, all individuals must be the same size and age. Caring for an animal at home is generally not accompanied by any serious difficulties. However, for the normal development of a turtle you need to know some important points.

What should an aquaterrarium be like for a red-eared turtle?

It should be quite long, but at the same time not wide and low. Volume not less than 120 liters. The water level must match the proportions of your turtle's shell so that it can turn over. A small bank should be installed near the aquarium. Maintain the water temperature within 25 degrees, on land - 31 - 33 degrees. To keep the temperature at the same level, a special heater must be provided.

The water must be changed and cleaned depending on the degree of contamination. But you can also use a special filter. For young turtles, external is preferable, and for adults, only internal. An ultraviolet lamp will not hurt, but it should not be located low, the approximate height is 25 cm, so that the turtle does not get a burn to the eyes. Another option for arranging an aquaterrarium is an incandescent lamp with the same requirements. They both need to switch off at night.

If the weather outside is nice and warm, try to take the turtles out to bask more often. But remember that the first time you do not need to keep it in the sun for more than 5 minutes. And it is important to increase the time spent in the fresh air gradually. They also need a dark place where they can periodically hide from the sun, as they are susceptible to overheating.

So, for the remaining two turtles from January to March the temperature should be 18 degrees, and the duration of illumination should be 8 hours, April - 21/8, where 21 is the temperature, and 8 is the duration of illumination, May - 24/10, June - 27 /13, July – 28/13, August – 28/11, September – 25/10, October – 22/8, November and December – 18/8.

And for Trachemys scripta troostii the requirements are as follows: January - March - 18/8, April - 20/8, May - 21/10, June - 23/13, July - 26/13, August - 25/11, September - 20/ 10, October – December – 18/8.

How to determine the age of a red-eared turtle

In captivity, turtles live about 30 years, some individuals 37-40. It is important to be able to determine the age of pets. If you acquire a large specimen, it may turn out that it only has a couple of years to live. Diet, living conditions and belonging to a particular subspecies can affect the size of the turtle. But there are a number of signs by which the age of an amphibian can be determined quite accurately.

1. Red spots near the eyes change color over the years from bright red to dark burgundy.
2. The color of young individuals is lighter. With age, the pattern on the shell fades and its color darkens.
3. There are rings on a turtle's shell. For every year of life, 2-3 rings are added to it.
4. Juveniles are active and curious. Old turtles are calmer, but capricious.
5. You can determine your pet's age by tracking changes in its size over the years. By one year the male's body grows to 5-6 cm, by two years - 8 cm, by three years 10-12 cm. Each subsequent year gives the turtle another 2 cm. Growth stops when the amphibian reaches 20-25 cm. The female is larger by 2-3 cm.
6. The easiest way to determine the age of a red-eared turtle is if you bought it very young or know the exact date of its birth.

Additional heating

In the wild, a red-eared turtle loves to bask in the sun. Instead, a simple incandescent lamp and an ultraviolet lamp should be hung above the “island”. The latter is needed to ensure the normal development and growth of the red-eared turtle, as well as to prevent various diseases. The ultraviolet lamp should be located 50 cm above the “island”. It should first be turned on for 5 minutes 1-2 times a week, gradually increasing the duration to 30 minutes and the frequency to every day. It is advisable to install a thermometer to control the air temperature (it should not be more than 30 degrees).

How to properly feed red-eared turtles?

Nutrition for a pet is as important as proper care. In order for the red-eared turtle to develop normally, food should be balanced. During active growth, the red-eared turtle is fed mainly with animal food. As you get older, your diet includes more plant foods. The red-eared slider needs to be fed daily for the first two years. From the third year, the number of meals is reduced to 2 or 3 per week.

What to feed a red-eared slider?

Special dry or frozen food can be purchased at a pet store. You can also feed the red-eared slider and self-made mixture. For it you will need:

1. Carrots 70 gr.
2. Cabbage - 50 gr.
3. Fish fillet - 145 gr.
4. Apple - 50 gr.
5. Squid fillet - 100 gr.
6. Raw egg - 2 pcs.
7. Calcium glycerophosphate - 10 tablets.
8. Milk - 150 ml.
9. Water - 150 ml.
10. Tetravit product – 20 drops.
11. Gelatin - 30 gr.

Prepare the mixture you need as follows:

Before feeding your red-eared slider, the mixture should be warmed to room temperature. On average it enough for 10 feedings. Sometimes it is useful to diversify your diet. You can feed the red-eared turtle with wheat germ, legumes, and sunflower seeds. She also needs to be given apple or pear twigs periodically. This is necessary so that the horny plates located on the upper and lower jaws of the red-eared turtle do not turn into a “beak”.

All about the reproduction of red-eared turtles

Determination of gender

Before breeding reptiles, it is necessary to determine the sex of the turtle. Reproduction of the red-eared slider requires the presence of both male and female individuals. Of course, even without a male, the reptile can lay eggs, but they simply will not be fertilized, and their storage will not give the expected results.

The sex of a turtle can only be determined after the reptile is one year old. Until this age, the distinctive features are so invisible that it is impossible to determine whether they belong to one sex or another. It is better to compare two turtles of the same age. Typically, male reptiles are smaller in size than female reptiles. Also, a visible difference lies in the claws on the front legs and tail - in boys they are longer. Another factor in determining sex can be the shape of the lower part of the shell - in females it is flat, and in boys it is concave.

In what cases will mating occur?

It is worth noting that breeding the red-eared slider at home requires the optimal age of the reptiles. Both individuals must be sexually mature, but not old. Puberty at home in turtles occurs slightly earlier than in nature. Males are ready to breed at about 4 years of age, and females are ready to give birth after five years of life. If you have several turtles, it is better to have only one male among them. Having two boys at once can lead to fights, which can lead to injury.

Preparing for mating

Reproduction of red-eared turtles at home requires enormous effort from the owner. It can be quite difficult to achieve offspring, but with a responsible approach, even a beginner can achieve better results. It must be remembered that even food for red-eared turtles can play a role in reproduction. Before the proposed mating, you need to increase the content of vitamins in the diet and make the food more nutritious.

First of all, turtles that are ready to breed must be placed in a separate, necessarily spacious aquarium. Keep only one male and one female to avoid fights between reptiles. Preparing an atmosphere suitable for reproduction begins with replacing the water and increasing its temperature. So, its optimal temperature is 25 degrees.

Warm water will help produce offspring. It is worth remembering that during mating the male may not allow the female to surface. To prevent the turtle from choking, pour only 10 centimeters of water. Place a container with sand in the aquarium (the female will lay her eggs there). The container should be located on dry land and easily accessible to the reptile. Reproduction of red-eared turtles will occur only in the presence of soil.

The female, ready for reproduction, is somewhat different from other individuals. She begins to refuse food and become more active.

Mating process

Turtles in captivity are not very dependent on the seasons, so they can mate at any time. However, it has been noted that reptiles are most active from February to May. This is the optimal time for the mating process.

Before mating, red-eared turtles organize mating games. They can last up to several days, and during this time the reptiles need to be kept quiet. There should be no vibrations, noise, or bright light. Also remember to monitor the water temperature. It is generally better not to handle pets during the breeding season.

Mating games of red-eared turtles are a beautiful sight. The male flirts with the female, creating vibrations with his claws, touching her head, touching her shells. The mating process itself takes only about five minutes, followed by the laying of eggs.

How to get small reptiles to appear?

Reproduction of turtles at home does not involve only mating of two individuals. The reptile owner needs to provide the best conditions for the turtle eggs. As a rule, in one clutch the female leaves 6-10 of them, each with a diameter of 4 cm.

You should not leave eggs in the container where the turtle laid them. You need to very carefully, without turning the eggs, transfer them to the incubator. The temperature there should be 25-30 degrees Celsius. You can also place the masonry in an ordinary jar of sand and place the container near the heating pipes to maintain the optimal temperature.
The development time of small turtles inside the egg is from 2 to 5 months. It is necessary to monitor the temperature, achieving optimal indicators. After small reptiles are born, do not put them in the same aquarium with adults. Even a female who has laid eggs lacks maternal instinct, not to mention other reptiles. Adult animals can seriously harm newborn turtles. The best solution would be to place the offspring in a separate aquarium and keep them there for at least a year.

In general, breeding red-eared turtles at home is not such a difficult undertaking. All you need is a responsible approach and attentiveness to the condition of reptiles, and you can get offspring from red-eared turtles. It is recommended to study diseases of red-eared turtles in order to prevent the development of the disease in newborn reptiles.

Diseases

Proper care of a turtle involves not only creating a comfortable living environment and a balanced diet. Like other animals, she can get sick. It is necessary to correctly determine what kind of disease the pet has developed. The specifics of caring for it will depend on this. Red-eared turtles may suffer from diseases of the skin, eyes, shell, or internal organs. You can, of course, try to cope on your own, but it is best to consult a veterinarian.

How to treat red-eared turtles at home?

The temperature of the mixture should be approximately 28-30 degrees. The pet needs to be placed in it and held for about 40-60 minutes. After this, the turtle can be returned to the aquaterrarium. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated. During illness, your pet needs special care. The water temperature in the aquaterrarium at this time should be maintained at a constant level (28-30 degrees). A sick pet should be fed food rich in vitamins.

The red-eared turtle (Trachemys scripta), also called the yellow-bellied turtle, is the most common among pet turtle hobbyists. Unfortunately, such popularity also has a downside: a huge number of domestic red-eared turtles are doomed to death or life in unsuitable conditions. Unscrupulous sellers often do not know or hide details from buyers in order to make money. To make this happen less often, we will tell you in detail about the maintenance, feeding and care of this turtle.

The red-eared slider is very hardy and is a good choice for beginners. On the one hand, they live a long time and often become the first species of turtles for many hobbyists, but on the other hand, people who buy them often destroy them. They don’t know that turtles need water and land (shore), which should be warm and where UV rays should reach. At the same time, they spend most of their time in water, which must be clean, warm and regularly changed. As a rule, all problems and diseases are caused by careless owners who do not know that dirty water causes infections; without calcium, the shell will become crooked; without heat and a UV lamp, the turtle does not absorb calcium and gets sick!

They are fast, strong and can be aggressive!

They easily attack other turtles, and each other. They are also known for their personality and charisma, which sets them apart from other turtle species. They are very skilled when it comes to feeding and can take food from each other. In the wild, being an invasive species, they displace and destroy endemics so much so that in Australia they are outlawed and exterminated.

American red-eared turtles can be excellent pets, if only because allergies to reptiles are rare.

However, if you decide to have her as a gift for a child, remember that all responsibility for her health and behavior lies with you! Children cannot care for a turtle at the proper level; moreover, they can quickly lose interest in a new toy and abandon it. And she needs to be fed, water changed, warmed, even washed.

How long do red-eared turtles live? With good care, a turtle can live from 20 to 40 years.

Habitat in nature

The red-eared freshwater turtle is native to North America and is especially common along the Mississippi River before it flows into the Gulf of Mexico. She lives in a warm climate in the southern states of the USA, from Colorado to Florida. But its popularity is great and now it is often found in nature around the world, often posing a threat to local fauna.

In its natural habitat, it needs the following conditions: fresh water, places to bask, dense vegetation and for a nest. Usually these are lakes, ponds, swamps, and creeks. It prefers bodies of water with warm water and a weak current, always with places above the surface of the water where it can climb out to warm itself. Often in such places they lie directly on top of each other. The bottom in such places is usually sandy or silty.

The habitat is usually limited to the water's edge; American red-eared turtles do not like to move far from the shore, although females need solid ground to lay eggs.

Small turtles in nature feed on fish, snails, insects and various plants.

Appearance, size, life expectancy

The red-eared turtle is recognizable and difficult to confuse with other species. A characteristic red (sometimes orange) stripe starts from the eyes and continues along the neck. The carapace (upper part of the shell), round and smooth, is olive green with black and yellow lines. The plastron (lower part of the shell) is also smooth, yellowish in color with dark spots. Young turtles have a very bright green shell, but it darkens with age. With age, the spots on the shell darken, and the red stripe on the head turns pale.

The size of a red-eared slider is determined by measuring the length of the shell from edge to edge with a ruler. In this case, they do not pay attention to the curvature of the shell, so it is best to measure with a ruler rather than a tape measure.

Only hatched turtles are about 2.5 cm in length, after a year of life they grow to 5–7 cm. Males become sexually mature at a size of about 10 cm, and females 12.5. The average size of a turtle is from 25 to 30 cm, depending on the conditions and species. Males are smaller in size than females.

Please note that size cannot be a sign of age. The fact is that at home turtles grow faster than in nature, this is the result of overfeeding and ideal conditions. But, with proper maintenance and feeding at home, turtles live longer than their wild relatives. A domestic turtle can live up to 40 years, while a wild turtle can live no more than 20.

• 1 year: 6 cm.

• 2 years: female - 9 cm, male - 8 cm.

• 3 years: female - 14 cm, male 10 cm.

• 4 years: female - 16 cm, male - 12 cm.

• 5 years: female - 18 cm, male - 14 cm.

• 6 years: female - 20 cm, male - 17 cm.

Sense organs

The red-eared slider has well-developed senses, especially vision and smell. They can distinguish colors both in the water and above it, and can look out for nesting sites for other turtles. They notice movement very well, at a distance of up to 40 meters, no matter if it is a prey or a predator. They also have a good sense of smell, which helps them find food.

But her hearing is not very good, her ears are covered with skin and feel only dull sounds and vibration. The shell is sensitive to touch because nerves pass through it. In addition, they have a sense of touch and can reject unpalatable foods in favor of tastier ones.

As for sounds, it can make hissing, snorting, or short sounds like a squeak. Turtles don't breathe underwater, they rise to the surface for oxygen!

How to determine gender?

Just as pet red-eared turtles grow faster, they also become sexually mature faster. A turtle becomes sexually mature after one year of age, and you cannot confidently determine the sex of a turtle if it is less than 10 cm in size.

More or less confidently, we can say whether it is a male or a female when the age of the male is 2–4 years, and the females are 3–5 years old and their size is about 10–15 cm. However, in the case of abundant feeding, sexual maturity may become earlier.

The main differences between a male and a female are: females are larger and have a shorter tail. In addition, in the female, the cloaca is located closer to the base of the tail. An indirect sign can be the claws on the paws; in males they are longer and curved. Of even more relative characteristics, the males have a slightly concave plastron inward, which helps him during mating.

Turtle at your home

Buying a turtle

So, you have decided to get a red-eared slider. You can simply go to the market or pet store and choose the first one you come across. Or it can be more difficult, first read, find out, create conditions, buy and take it to the veterinarian. For what? Sellers often keep them in unsuitable conditions, and a veterinarian will check the turtle for wounds, infections, tightness, and disease.

If you already have turtles, then it is best to keep the purchased ones in quarantine for 3 months. You cannot keep baby and adult turtles together, as this is fraught with accidental and intentional injuries! Only turtles similar in size and living conditions can live together.

After purchasing and changing your place of residence, it may take several days to adapt. During this time, the turtle can be either inhibited or very active; it is better to leave it alone, but do not forget to feed and look after it.

Handling the turtle

When you pick up a turtle you need to be very careful!

They may be slippery with water, resist, hiss, and have bowel movements. They have sharp claws, powerful paws and they bite painfully, so it’s not always pleasant to pick them up. Try to hold the turtle with both hands! Due to awkward handling, many owners and even more turtles suffered.

After holding the turtle in your hands, wash them with soap! This is especially important for children, since despite the fact that the red-eared turtle is domestic, it lives in a different environment and there are different bacteria there.

It is especially important to keep the aquarium clean and the food fresh, as turtles can carry salmonellosis.

Ideally, any animal in the house should not have access to the kitchen and places where food is prepared. Avoid washing your turtle in the kitchen sink, and do not wash your aquarium or accessories there.

Handling babies

Most turtles appearing in a home aquarium are still babies. They are still very tender and it is important to make sure they eat well and are comfortable. The cubs have a high mortality rate, are susceptible to disease, and can die for no apparent reason.

If you notice something on your turtle's plastron, it could be the yolk sac. Newly hatched turtles consume the nutrients from it and it should not be removed or disturbed. They may refuse food at first, and begin to eat after the yolk sac has completely resolved.

Avoid holding small turtles in your arms. They are, of course, beautiful and elegant, but they can also get scared, get stressed and get sick. Don't stand over the aquarium or knock on the glass; let them get used to it for a few days and start eating. It is very important that the temperature of water and air (land) be stable.

You cannot place an aquarium with a red-eared slider in direct sunlight or in a draft. Make sure that she has free access to dry land and that the area is heated with a special lamp.

Keeping temperatures for baby turtles should be slightly higher than for adult turtles! This is 26-27C for water and up to 32C for sushi.

The water should be as clean as possible and if there is no good filter, then change it every couple of days. Feeding - branded food for turtles with calcium, fortunately there is a wide choice of them now. As already stated, do not keep baby and adult turtles together. Remember, most problems can be avoided simply by creating the necessary conditions.

Fights and aggression

If you consider an aquarium as a small pond, red-eared turtles will exhibit dominant behavior towards others. They can easily injure others with their claws or bites. Males may chase females, and this often results in severe aggression with biting, severed tails, or death. Adding a new turtle may provoke fights, especially if the turtles are already sexually mature.

If this happens, significantly increasing the space may help, although it does not guarantee success. Feeding alone (alone outside the aquarium) also reduces aggression. You can add barriers, plastic plants or walls to prevent the animals from seeing each other.

In general, this is a wild animal by nature, and this behavior is more than normal. If you don't want problems, then you need to keep them alone. Red-eared turtles feel great living without a mate.

Adult turtle and babies - struggle for food:

Keeping a red-eared turtle

Home care

What do you need to buy for maintenance?

You understand that prices can vary greatly, so we’ll just list the necessary things:

• Aquarium for turtle 200 liters

• 100 Watt water heater

• Filter (can be internal, but preferably external)

• Ultraviolet lamp for aquatic turtles with UVB 10%

• Heating lamp

• Lamp

• Thermometer

• Land/shore/island

As you can see, the list is quite serious and the most important thing is that all this is really necessary. Now do you understand why so many pet turtles are dying?

How to care for a red-eared slider?

For almost everyone who wants to get a turtle, the first problem is finding an adequate container and purchasing additional equipment. And then they begin to understand that the content is more complex than they imagined. And very often, owners simply don’t buy what they need, and then the animal suffers and dies.

Here, even such a simple thing as where to place the terrarium can cause problems. Aquarium from 150 liters, plus water, equipment, shore. The output will be more than three hundred kilograms, and not every table can handle it.

A larger aquarium will allow your aquatic turtle to remain more active and healthy. Remember - if you keep a turtle in a cramped environment, it will not stay small! This is a common misconception that also applies to aquarium fish and other animals. She will become sick, twisted, but not small!

What should you buy for your turtle?

So, for maintenance you will need an aquarium or terrarium for the red-eared turtle (or rather an aquarrarium, since it needs both land and water), from 150 to 200 liters. When you look at a small turtle, such requirements seem too high, but it will grow up and become much larger. There should be enough water so that the turtle can turn over freely in it, that is, more than the width of its shell.

You also need artificial land or an island on which the turtle will crawl out and bask. Such an island can be bought at a pet store; they are specially made. If you decide to do it yourself, then remember that it should be a sloping climb, but one that will be comfortable for the animal to climb. In principle, that's all that is needed from him.

You can make an island with your own hands; in nature, turtles choose snags, stones, old tires, or any debris sticking out of the water. But, it is easier to buy a ready-made product, since it must meet certain conditions: not be toxic, be stable, have a textured surface, and not have sharp corners or burrs.

The island must occupy at least 25% of the surface of your aquaterarium and meet the following requirements:

• warming up is the main purpose of the shore for a turtle. The temperature on it should be 10 degrees higher than in the water. Too high a temperature is not good, it can lead to hyperthermia (overheating) in the turtle.

• be semi-submerged, at least one side must be submerged

• be safe so that the turtle does not get stuck between the wall of the aquarium and the shore itself

• do not release toxins when heated and in water

• be stable, since red-eared turtles are quite strong and can turn over the bank

• have a textured surface

Example of an aquaterrarium with a turtle and fish:

Priming

You don’t have to use it at all, like any decor, turtles don’t need it. However, if you want the aquaterrarium to look less dull, then use only large stones. For example, turtles can swallow gravel and die; besides, the soil makes caring for the aquarium more difficult.

Heating the shore for a turtle

In nature, turtles come ashore to warm themselves, and the same should be done for them in a home terrarium. To achieve the desired temperature of 30-35C (on the shell), the lamp must be located above the turtle. You will need to look at the thermometer regularly to check the settings.

Be careful as placing a lamp too close can cause burns, especially if you are keeping multiple aquatic turtles as they may climb on top of each other and be closer to the heat source.

Also, do not forget that when turtles dive into the water they raise splashes, and if they hit the base they can easily destroy it, since it is hot. So the lamp for turtles should be closed from water and fumes.

In general, you can buy a suitable lamp at a pet store, especially since they are now sold in pairs with UV lamps, which are needed separately.

The heating lamp, like the UV lamp, should work throughout the day, which is 10–12 hours.

Ultraviolet lamp for turtles

Proper lighting and heating are critical aspects of keeping a red-eared slider. In nature, it has enough sunlight and heat to produce all the necessary elements.

But in captivity she lacks neither warmth (we talked about it above) nor spectrum and needs special care. More precisely, UV rays, which are needed so that it can properly absorb calcium and produce B vitamins.

In the absence of a UV lamp in the terrarium, the turtle begins to poorly absorb calcium, which it needs for the normal development of its shell. The result is terrible animals, suffering from rickets, with severely curved shells.

The heating lamp, like the UV lamp, should work throughout the day, which is 10-12 hours. Moreover, glass or plastic blocks a significant part of the rays and the UV lamp should hang above the turtle. For adult turtles, a lamp with UVB 10% is used.

Aquarium water

Since the red-eared turtle is an aquatic species, it spends most of its time in water, so monitoring its quality is very important. Turtles eat, sleep and defecate in the water, so it needs to be filtered and changed frequently. Dirty water is one of the sources of discomfort, disease and infection.

The minimum water level in the aquarium is such that the turtle could turn over if it suddenly ends up on its back. That is, no less than the width of its shell. However, if possible, you should keep it higher, since the more water, the more stable it is and the cleaner it remains. In this case, the turtle must have free access to the shore; it must be able to climb onto it and warm itself at any time.

The water must be left for at least 24 hours so that the chlorine leaves it and it reaches room temperature. The water temperature in an aquarium with a turtle should be 22-28 °C and not fall below 20; if this is possible, then it should be heated using a heater. Be sure to use a thermometer, don't trust your feelings!

The purity of the water is very important, since turtles both eat and defecate in it. Harmful substances such as ammonia and nitrates accumulate very quickly, and the water begins to stink. To avoid this, change the water in the aquarium once or twice a week. You can also use an internal or external filter, however, this does not replace water changes. For a turtle, internal filters are too low-power, and external filters are good, but quite expensive.

How long can a red-eared turtle live without water if it escapes from the aquarium? For quite a long time, it happens that they run away from the aquarium and the owners find them only a few days later, lethargic, but alive. In general, she will live quietly for a day or two, but will suffer from drying out.

Feeding

Omnivores that feed on a wide variety of foods. Variety is important to keep your turtle healthy. You can feed: artificial food, food for aquarium fish, vegetables, aquarium plants, insects, fish, invertebrates. In addition to variety, it is important to provide a balanced diet high in calcium. Like all wild animals that live indoors, there is a tendency to overeat.

Young turtles are mostly omnivores. But as they grow and mature, they become more and more herbivorous. Omnivorousness means that the diet contains a large amount of protein, but in adult turtles it is much less.

Turtles of any age will prefer live prey or carrion, but should only be fed occasionally. It is also necessary to provide additional calcium for the normal formation and growth of the turtle's shell.

What to feed a red-eared slider?

They eat almost everything, but the main food may well be artificial food for aquatic turtles, since there are many options and types. Their composition is specially selected to provide all the necessary substances for turtles. The high protein content of commercial feeds allows them to be fed in small portions.

To make feeding more balanced, add calcium and plant foods and your turtle will be quite happy. Please note that commercial feeds most often already contain calcium additives; read the labels on the packaging.

Red-eared turtles require water to swallow because they do not produce saliva. They can take food on land, but will drag it into the water to eat it. You can use this to your advantage and feed them in a separate container, so the water in the aquarium will remain clean for a longer time.

Feeding with plant foods

Fresh vegetables should always be given to your turtle, regardless of whether he shows interest in them or not. A good mix of vegetables contains essential fiber, calcium, vitamins A and K.

Aquarium plants can also be given, especially since they are similar to those that the turtle has in nature. It is especially important to feed adult and old turtles with plant foods! Their diet should consist of 75% vegetables and aquarium plants. It can be duckweed, riccia, ludwigia, hornwort, lettuce, pieces of cucumber and zucchini, boiled dandelion and nettle, clumps of filamentous algae.

Red-eared turtles and live food (guppies, snails)

Omnivores, they happily eat everything they can get their hands on. The turtle's victims will include insects, snails, small fish and worms, crickets, etc. So the question of whether guppies and red-eared turtles can get along in the same aquarium is not at all worth it. The same can be said about any aquarium fish, even large ones can bite.

Poor goldfish (slow, you say?)

How much and how often should you feed red-eared turtles?

A difficult question, since for the most part it depends on the size, age and the food you give.

Turtles up to one year old need to be fed artificial food daily, and you can also give plant food daily, even if she refuses. But a turtle older than a year can be fed every other day or even two. However, plant foods can again be fed more often.

The amount of food may also vary. Newly hatched turtles should receive more protein, approximately 50% of the total food. Since most turtle foods contain about 40%, you can additionally feed fish such as guppies, insects, and earthworms. For adult turtles, the percentage of artificial food is reduced to 10-25%, and the rest should be various plants.

Since the size, shape and composition of feed can vary significantly, you need to focus on what the manufacturer writes on the packaging.

Hibernation

Hibernation is the period in which the red-eared turtle goes into hibernation during the winter months. There is no need for a pet turtle to hibernate! Moreover, it is not recommended! Never encourage her to do this.

Reasons why hibernation may be unsafe:

• you may not have enough experience to care for her at this time

• Most likely, in order for her to hibernate normally, you don’t have the conditions

• young and sick turtles may be too weak to survive the hibernation period

• your turtle may not need it at all

Turtles hibernating in nature burrow into leaves and silt at the bottom of a reservoir, the depth of which is shallow, and vice versa into the surface. They do not rise to the surface during this time, but absorb oxygen through membranes in the mouth, pharynx and cloaca. In this case, the depth of the reservoir is important so that the water is not too cold, but also contains enough oxygen. Most artificial conditions and ponds are unable to recreate these conditions.

In general, a pet red-eared slider should not and should not be hibernated. By the way, the key condition here is the water temperature, it must be maintained at 24-26C. Lower temperatures just remind her of winter and hibernation.

Reproduction of red-eared turtles

Whether a turtle is sexually mature or not depends on its size. Approximately: 2-4 years for a male and a shell of more than 10 cm and 2-5 years for a female and 12-13 cm. Mating games begin with a mature male (although young ones can also try), with a kind of courtship. During which he swims in front of the female, with his muzzle towards her and waves his paws very quickly in front of her eyes. In nature, breeding occurs in March and June, but domestic turtles can mate throughout the year.

When a turtle is pregnant, that is, carrying eggs, you need to prepare a special place for her where she will lay these eggs. A female red-eared slider can carry eggs without a male, but they will not be fertilized! You can gently feel the eggs between the carapace and her hind legs, but be careful, they are very fragile. The female will instinctively look for a place to nest and lay eggs. A clutch can contain up to 20 eggs for a large female. If the conditions are suitable, then the female lays up to 3-4 clutches per season.

In a home aquaterrarium, the female signals preparation for reproduction by changing her behavior. She becomes very restless, imitates digging movements with her hind legs and tries to get out of the aquarium. Also during this time, she spends more time on land and needs calcium and UV rays. The place where she can lay her eggs is very important; if there is not one, she will lay them in the water or even carry them further, which will cause them to harden. If you see that a turtle has laid one or two eggs, try to make a nest for it. Most likely, the rest of the clutch has not yet hatched and she is still pregnant.

If the female does not lay eggs, they will harden and can cause infection and death of the animal. Even a properly prepared nest is not a guarantee that everything will go well, since the turtle may be old, tired, and sick. If she tries to lay her clutch, but nothing works, then it is better to take her to the veterinarian.

Possible signs of problems: decreased activity, heavy breathing, depressions or swelling near the cloaca. If there is an unpleasant liquid coming out of it or there is an odor, then the eggs inside may have broken. If you have any health problems with your red-eared slider, contact your veterinarian immediately!
Mating games:

Health and illness

More than 85% of all diseases of red-eared turtles are the result of improper care, maintenance and feeding, and most often all at once. It is not difficult to maintain clean water and the correct temperature for your pet, as well as to create the necessary conditions.

• Sick turtles should be kept at a higher temperature, in most cases 27-30 Celsius. At this temperature, the immune system operates at its peak efficiency. It is important to maintain fluid balance in the turtle's body so that it does not become dehydrated. Ensuring that she drinks and is in water is more important than her nutrition, since a sick turtle can die from dehydration and its kidneys will fail. Even in emaciated turtles, fluid balance is first restored, and then feeding begins.

• A sick turtle swims poorly, swims on one side, and may even drown. Reduce the water level and make sure she can come ashore as soon as she wants.
• If you suspect an infection, immediately isolate the animal and be sure to wash your hands after handling it.

• The basis for success in treating a turtle is contacting a specialist. Do not treat the animal yourself, go to the veterinarian!

The main diseases of red-eared turtles and their symptoms

Symptom:
The red-eared turtle's eyes are swollen or red and often does not open them. The skin around them is red, swollen, and there may be discharge from the eyes.

It's probably:
A bacterial infection of the eyes, most often caused by dirty water. Change the water, clean the aquaterarium, check the temperature conditions.

Treatment:
Antibiotics in drops, cleaning the aquarium.

Symptom:
Formations in the mouth, most often necrotic in nature. The turtle refuses to feed; its eyes may be closed.

It's probably:
A bacterial infection in the mouth caused by gram-negative bacteria.

Treatment:
A serious condition requiring immediate treatment. The mouth should be cleansed using gauze and an antimicrobial solution, removing affected tissue. The mainstay of treatment should be antibiotics prescribed by your veterinarian. If started early, it responds well to treatment.

Symptom:
The turtle is lethargic and holds its head high or in an unusual position. May exhibit weakness in front or hind legs, may have discharge from the mouth or nose, and often wheeze.

It's probably:
Serious respiratory infection, likely pneumonia.

Treatment:
A visit to the vet is definitely needed. Antibiotic injections are prescribed first (antibiotics are not given to turtles orally, due to the duration of action and the unpredictability of the effect when passing through the gastrointestinal tract)

Symptom:
The soft shell of a red-eared turtle. The carapace or plastron (the upper or lower part of the turtle's shell) is soft, with visible hemorrhages. There may be an unpleasant odor (turtle stink) and the affected area will quickly enlarge.

It's probably:
Bacterial infection of tissue, probably from injury or illness. Typically caused by gram-negative bacteria.

Treatment:
Treatment of the affected area with antibacterial drugs, removal of dead tissue, isolation. Antibiotics as prescribed by a veterinarian. In most cases, the cause is injury - a burn from a heater, damage from sharp stones, etc.

Symptom:
Lethargy, weakness, possibly redness of the paws or plastron.

It's probably:
Sepsis is blood poisoning.

Treatment:
In most cases, sepsis is the result of an injury through which bacteria from dirty water enter the bloodstream. Treatment is antibiotics, and they are correct and fast.

Symptom:
Carapaz (turtle shell) is soft and may be twisted. Weak limbs, problems with feeding.

It's probably:
Calcium deficiency, complete or partial.
In very advanced cases, the turtle dies. Treatment consists of injections of calcium supplements, plus a review of feeding and increased UV radiation.

Symptom:
Fresh, open wound.

It's probably:
The result of a fight, fall or damage to decor or stones.

Treatment:
Remove the cause of the injury. Treat the wound, clean the aquarium, make sure that the wound does not become a gateway for infection and sepsis.

Symptom:
Swelling or inflammation in the head.

It's probably:
Abscess in the ear. In the case of the red-eared slider, the most common cause is dirty water.

Treatment:
Surgery under general anesthesia.

The turtle is a popular pet species. Among all the species, the American red-eared turtle, which is also called the yellow-bellied reptile, is popular. The red-eared turtle holds a leading place among breeders due to its endurance and survival in artificial conditions. It can be easily distinguished from other species, as they look bold and have charisma. The main characteristics for the red-eared representative are speed and strength.

Its historical habitat is Central America and the USA, which is why the red-eared turtle is called American.

The red-eared slider has a long lifespan in the wild. It is important to know that aquatic red-eared reptiles that live in river conditions need land no less than others. When starting a red-eared reptile at home, you should create high-quality conditions for it, similar to living in nature. The small and large red-eared turtle lives not only in water, but also on land, where it must be warm.

Important to know before purchasing

Caring for a red-eared turtle at home is not difficult; it is enough to follow the rules and create appropriate conditions for keeping the red-eared reptile. The yellow-bellied turtle is suitable for beginners.

In winter, the turtle does not hibernate. The red-eared reptile spends a large period of time in water, so you should carefully monitor its cleanliness and maintain the required temperature.

It is important to consider that pets are very active and can be aggressive.

When buying small red-eared turtles measuring 2 centimeters, you must remember that the size of red-eared turtles can reach the palm of a person, so the aquarium for them must be of an appropriate size.

Often sellers deceive buyers and talk about things incorrectly, so be sure to check this before purchasing.

Aquarium turtles in an artificial environment can live on average 30 years. This feature of the red-eared individual obliges the breeder to take the purchase seriously.

Distinctive features of the red-eared slider

A distinctive feature of the American individual is its red stripe. The juvenile has a brighter stripe than the adult red-eared slider. The shell is smooth and round in shape. The color of the turtle's shell is green with black and yellow lines. The older the freshwater individual, the darker it is.

The length of the shell is not an indicator of age, since the red-eared reptile grows quite quickly when kept at home. The achieved sizes depend on environmental conditions, quality of care and health of the pet. The temperature of the water in the terrarium depends on the age and time of year. The temperature should be highest in summer and autumn. For young representatives, the water should always be warm.

For small representatives, the basis of nutrition is a completely plant-based diet. Upon reaching a size of 10 centimeters, animal food is proportionally added to the diet. In old age, the diet of an individual again becomes predominantly of plant origin. More details about that in a separate article.

Dimensions

The size of red-eared turtles is measured using a ruler; to determine the length, the shell is measured, its irregularities are not taken into account. Newborns are born about 3 centimeters in length. The average size of a sea turtle is 20 centimeters. The duration of growth and maximum size depends on living conditions. As practice shows, the better the living conditions, the better the individuals grow.

A red-eared turtle in good home conditions not only grows quickly, but can also grow several centimeters more, how much will also depend on environmental conditions.

Life expectancy varies; a domestic specimen, if well maintained, will live longer than other representatives. On average - about 30 years.

How many years a pet will live at home, and to what size a red-eared turtle will grow, depends on its breeder.

Do you need neighbors?

The reptile does not have a friendly disposition. Often turtles kept in the same container at home start fights, this behavior is especially observed in adulthood. It is recommended to keep representatives of the same species separately from each other. If it is not possible to move pets into different terrariums, the space can be divided using partitions.

• the size of the individuals must be the same;
• there should not be more than one male in the group;
• individuals must be of equal age.

Toads, lizards and snakes and other similar individuals are perceived by turtles exclusively as food.

How to care for a red-eared slider

A novice breeder should know how to properly care for their pet. Keeping a red-eared turtle requires high-quality regular care and proper diet. A red-eared turtle kept at home should not be disturbed frequently, especially small pets that have recently appeared in the terrarium. New individuals need time to adapt without the risk of stressful situations. To care for reptiles, it is recommended to carry out frequent cleaning, monitoring the cleanliness of the water, bathing procedures, and the habitat must be equipped with everything necessary. This little knowledge about care and maintenance will be enough for the longevity and health of your red-eared pet.

Necessary items and tools

To ensure good life, the red-eared turtle must receive not only high-quality care, but also have all the necessary items to furnish its home.

The main list of what you need to keep a red-eared turtle:

• suitable container;
• 100 Watt water heater;
• filter;
• incandescent lamp;
• lamp;
• island;
• thermometer;
• decorative stones.

It is not recommended to use aquarium plants, live or artificial. All flora is at risk of being eaten, and some plant species are deadly to turtles. If soil is used, it must be coarse.

Choosing and arranging housing

The terrarium must have a volume of at least 150 liters. The height should be greater than the width of the adult representative’s shell, since it needs to turn over freely. For a small individual, you can use a small vessel, within 50 liters. To keep a pet, you need to pour water so that it can stand on its hind legs and stick out its muzzle.

If you plan to use wooden driftwood, then you need to keep them in boiling water for some time. All plastic products must be of high quality and non-toxic. All elements of the turtle's interior, such as the substrate, island and other decorative elements, should be washed regularly under tap water.

An island of land should be installed inside the terrarium, onto which the reptile can freely climb.

Incandescent light bulbs of 40 and 60 W should be located no higher than 25 centimeters; if the location is lower, the light will disturb the reptiles by getting into their eyes.

Aquarium water

The quality of care and the main condition for keeping a turtle is the condition of the water inside the aquarium. It is important to maintain cleanliness and maintain the required temperature of the liquid. Pets spend most of their lives in an aquatic environment, therefore, it should be replaced and filtered carefully to prevent the occurrence of diseases.

It is important for red-eared turtles to have free access to the shore; on a piece of land it can rest and bask; this requirement applies to all individuals.

Water for the aquarium must be settled and free of chlorine. The temperature should vary from 22 to 28 degrees. If the water drops below 20 degrees, it should be heated using a heater; for accurate measurements, you must use a thermometer.

Once a week it is important to change the water, no more than 1/3 of the part. It is forbidden to replace the water completely, as the internal biological balance of the terrarium, which is favorable for life, will be disrupted.

Heater and filter

To properly keep pets at home, it is important to satisfy their natural need to bask on land. The shell should heat up to 35 degrees; for this, the individual must install a lamp. It is important to monitor the temperature on the thermometer. Do not place the heat source too close to prevent your pet from getting burned. The lamp must be hidden from splashes of water and resulting fumes. The heat source must operate throughout the entire daylight period every day.

When choosing a filter, you should take into account all the features of internal and external cleaning elements. The filter is selected taking into account the volume of the terrarium. External elements require less maintenance and are safer for the reptile, since the internal filter can be removed by a pet and damaged.

Features of handling a pet

Red-eared turtles should not be allowed on the floor. They can bite, hiss and show aggression; you should handle it carefully when picking it up; it is recommended to hold the reptile with both hands; the shell can be quite slippery. After contact with pets, hands must be washed with soap; a large number of pathogenic bacteria accumulate on the shell.

Living in their natural environment, turtles independently obtain all the vitamins and minerals necessary for health. In a home environment, the owner must independently add important elements to the feed.

Mandatory list of useful substances:

• vitamins d3, A and E;
• calcium;
• minerals.

All additives must be added strictly following the instructions and recommendations; any overdose is dangerous for the life of the individual.

Walks

A red-eared turtle kept at home needs walks in the summer. Thus, it becomes possible to get a dose of ultraviolet rays, eat healthy grass, and breathe fresh air. The place for a walk should be clean, away from the road, with lawn grass.

The temperature in the shade should not exceed 20 degrees, and the walking time should not exceed half an hour. When walking, there should be water in a visible, accessible place. In order not to lose your pet among the green grass, it is recommended to attach a bright mark, for example, orange, to the shell, it can be a sticker or a flag.

Care and hygiene

It is recommended to arrange water treatments for pets at least once a week. Waterfowl turtles need more frequent bathing or a bathing container in their terrarium. Water for bathing should be warm, but not more than 32 degrees, boiled if possible. The fluid level must be comfortable for standing with your head retracted.

During the first bath, you should carefully monitor the procedure to avoid frightening the animal. If the reptile does not feel well in the water and refuses to bathe, it is recommended to limit itself to spraying the shell and skin. If the bathing container is freely accessible inside the terrarium, the liquid must be changed every day.

It is recommended to use a cloth or sponge for washing; they must be soft. The use of chemicals is prohibited. For preventive measures against fungus, methylene purchased at a pet store is used. After each contact with water, the turtle should have the opportunity to dry and warm up under an ultraviolet lamp. She cannot tolerate temperature changes in the aquarium, which increases the risk of colds.

conclusions

Before getting a yellow-bellied reptile, you need to re-read the description of the article in detail again; a red-eared turtle may die if environmental conditions do not meet its needs. Keeping turtles requires knowledge of care information and the availability of all the necessary equipment for a comfortable habitat for the red-eared representative. To keep a reptile, it is necessary to provide the aquatic environment and land surface, the proper temperature, and also take care of the cleanliness of the home when keeping it at home.

Pond slider(lat. Trachemys scripta) belongs to the freshwater family Emydidae. Representatives of this species can live in any low-flowing water bodies, tolerate relatively low temperatures and are unpretentious in their diet. These features have allowed turtles to spread far beyond their natural habitat - in the southeastern part of the United States. Such turtles can be found in South Africa, Europe, North America, and Asia.

Red-eared turtles often displace their native relatives. Small turtles are born with a shell length of about 3 cm, they have a very bright and beautiful color. The first year and a half is the so-called initial growth stage, when individuals grow up to 7.5 cm. Then the growth rates decrease, each year the turtle grows by an average of 1-1.5 cm per year. In adulthood, its dimensions reach 20-28 centimeters. Some species of red-eared turtles grow up to 60 cm. Their shell has a green, olive or olive-green color, a bright yellow stripe can be seen on each of the sectors, the same stripes can be seen on the turtle’s head. As an individual grows, its shell becomes darker, and the green shades may disappear altogether.

The shape of the shell is close to oval, the shields are well fitted to each other. The legs have large claws, small membranes between the toes, and the tail when swimming is a kind of counterweight and an additional rudder when turning. The tails of males are most often longer than those of females, although adult females can boast more impressive dimensions and powerful jaws. Turtles can mate several times during the year, with 6-10 eggs in one clutch. Females reach maturity in captivity at 5-6 years, males at 4 years. There are 12 subspecies of red-eared turtles, in some the reddish spot is very noticeable, in others it is a barely noticeable stripe.

History of the red-eared turtle species

The first mentions of red-eared turtles date back to the 16th century; information about them is found in the notes of Spanish colonialists who explored Peru. It is difficult to say why the turtle was called the red-eared turtle - neither it nor other representatives of this species have what people call ears. In reptiles, the hearing organs are represented by the eardrum, which is located on the head; they hear well low sounds with a frequency of up to 3000 hertz.

The first description of the red-eared turtle was made more than 300 years ago, however, in those years it was assigned to the genus Testudo. After this, scientists did everything to confuse amphibian lovers. Over these centuries, they were classified as more than 10 subspecies; only in 1986 did the red-eared turtle become a full-fledged representative of the genus Trachemys. As a result of crossing, 12 subspecies of different sizes and colors were developed.

Today, the red-eared turtle is one of the most popular inhabitants of the home terrarium. In European countries, promotions are regularly held that urge lovers not to purchase these turtles, because their population is rapidly declining. In Switzerland, a special center has even been created where you can bring a grown turtle.

Maintenance and care of red-eared turtles

Despite the fact that red-eared turtles are unpretentious, they need good maintenance and care. Although representatives of the amphibian order spend most of their time in water, turtles cannot do without land; they can simply drown. Therefore, it is necessary to construct an aquaterrarium, divided into two zones: land and water. You should not keep the animal on the floor; the turtle may eat small objects or get sick from a draft.

The water temperature should be 20-25 degrees, on average it needs to be changed 1-2 times a week. It is worth installing a lamp over a dry island - turtles love to bask on dry land. The island should be 20-25 centimeters lower than the edge of the aquarium, otherwise the animal can get out and run away. It is advisable to install additional sources of daylight; regular dosed ultraviolet irradiation is especially necessary for small turtles.

Most of the food that turtles consume - bloodworms, meat, squid - only compensate for the lack of protein. In order for your pet to get enough calcium, it needs to be fed aquarium snails or small lean fish along with bones. You can give turtles defrosted fish from the perch family. Fatty types of fish - herring, sprat or capelin - should be immersed in water at a temperature of 80 degrees for 1-2 minutes before giving to the turtle. Fatty meat is the worst to digest, so it is better to give turtles raw liver, squid or shrimp as supplements. For young turtles, bloodworms, karetra or tubifex are suitable; gradually the diet can be expanded.

You can also prepare a mixture based on gelatin, it includes: 150 ml of water, 30 g of gelatin, 10 tablets of calcium glycerophosphate, 150 ml of milk, 2 raw eggs, vitamins, 100 g of squid fillet, 145 g of fish fillet, 70 g of carrots, 50 g cabbage, 50 g apple.

First, add warm water to the gelatin and then completely dissolve it in a steam bath. Solid food is crushed in a blender or meat grinder, poured with milk and beaten eggs, mixed, then added with seven vitamins and crushed calcium, stored in the refrigerator. Before feeding, the mixture is cut into cubes and warmed to room temperature. For adult turtles, the diet is prepared taking into account plant foods; they can be given duckweed, lettuce, young cabbage, elodea, and pond algae. Small turtles are fed every day (up to 2 years), adults 2-3 times a week.

Keeping red-eared turtles with other animals

Small turtles can even be kept with small fish. But when reptiles grow up, they can easily eat your favorite fish, such as guppies. Therefore, for adult animals you need to select neighbors who can fend for themselves: cichlids, large barbs, catfish or koi.

Red-eared turtles They cope well with loneliness, but the best company for them will be red-eared turtles or other non-aggressive turtles of the same size. Inappropriate company for turtles are toads, newts, lizards and snakes. Molluscs will not live in the same pond with turtles for long.

Interesting facts about red-eared turtles

Turtles have lived on earth for almost 200 million years, they appeared long before birds, crocodiles, mammals and even lizards;
. In Russia, freshwater turtles with a characteristic red spot on the head are called red-eared, and in Germany - red-cheeked;
. Red-eared turtles, like most representatives of this species, are long-lived; in captivity they can live 30 years;
. Red-eared turtles have a well-developed sense of smell, vision and touch, and their shell contains a large number of nerve endings.

The red-eared turtle belongs to the American freshwater family. It should be noted that it got its name for a reason. Its peculiarity is that on the sides of the head, from the eyes to the neck, there are two orange-red stripes. It should be noted that this turtle has a second name - yellow-bellied. It indicates that the ventral shield is bright yellow.

It should be noted that these reptiles themselves are absolutely unpretentious. However, if you don’t know the basic rules of care for turtles, they can be killed. Therefore, before getting such a reptile, you should first familiarize yourself with information about the features of caring for it, its nutrition and treatment. It is noteworthy that with good nutrition and care, such a pet can live up to 40 years.

What character do these animals have?

Many people believe, that turtles are on their own are weak and amorphous creatures, however, this is not so. Red-eared sliders can be aggressive, fast and strong. This species is quite intelligent when it comes to stealing food from other turtles.

General description of the species

Often, a red-eared turtle, or rather its shell, can be from 3 to 30 cm in diameter. But very large turtles can also be found - the diameter of the shell can be about 60 cm. It is noteworthy that the lower part of the shell is dark in color with yellow stripes. The dorsal part or carapace may initially have a green color, but over the years it can become yellow-brown in color. First few years of life the shell can increase by 10 cm per year. But after 2 years, their growth practically stops, and in a year they can add from 1 to 2 cm.

Red-eared turtle: how to care for it at home?

If we talk about keeping a red-eared turtle at home, you will need to purchase all the necessary equipment. So, you will need to acquire:

• an aquarium;
• ultraviolet lamp;
• island;
• filter;
• water heater;
• decorative stones, but only large ones.

It should be noted that it is better to abandon aquarium plants, both live and artificial. This is because the red-eared turtle is an omnivore, so all the decor can be eaten.

What should an aquarium be like?

To begin with, you can purchase a 10-liter aquarium, but ideally it should be 150 liters or more. You need to be prepared for the fact that in the first years of its life the turtle will grow very quickly. In addition, when buying an aquarium, you should take into account that the turtle still needs to exercise a lot, otherwise it may begin to suffer from obesity. If we talk about the minimum size of the aquarium, then it should be noted that the width should not be less than three shells, and the length should not be less than six shells.

It is noteworthy that enough water should be poured so that the turtle can stand on its hind legs and stick its muzzle out of the water. If the aquarium is deeper than it should be, then you can put some kind of stone or driftwood inside.

Please note that it is strictly forbidden to use small stones as decoration. This is explained by the fact that a turtle can simply swallow a stone, and this can cause intestinal obstruction and further death of the animal. In addition, such aquatic plants like ambulia and elodea, are poisonous for the red-eared slider.

How to properly equip an island?

Before purchasing an island, pay attention to the material from which it is made and what kind of fastening it has. Often, plastic frames with suction cups are used as fastenings. However, you should pay attention to the fact that over time the little red-eared turtle will begin to grow and the suckers will begin to fall off.

Ideally, the island should be a small flat area so that the turtle can get out of the water . It is noteworthy that, that it is better not to buy islands that are made of polyurethane foam, since the turtle can crumble it with the help of its sharp claws.

Which lamp to choose?

A lamp in an aquarium is needed primarily so that the turtle produces vitamin D3. Under natural conditions, animals receive this vitamin from ultraviolet light, but at home you will need to purchase a special lamp.

Please note that household UV sources are not suitable as they cannot provide the required wavelength . But Repti Glo lamps 5 and 8 are the most popular. However, they should be positioned so that they do not cause burns, that is, no more than 40 cm.

These reptiles need regular incandescent lamps to digest their food. This is explained by the fact that such lamps provide a comfortable temperature for red-eared turtles. A decrease in temperature can be fraught with a slowdown in metabolism, as well as hibernation.

Features of choosing a filter and heater

First of all, it should be noted that the filter and heater are selected based on the size of the aquarium. There are a wide variety of filters available for sale.. Both internal and external filters can be distinguished. The clear advantage of an external filter is that the turtle will not be able to remove it, bite the wire or swallow the suction cup. If we talk about the heater, then it is better to give preference to the automatic option. It is best to keep a turtle at a temperature of 20–27 °C.

Caring for a red-eared slider also involves a properly selected diet. It is noteworthy that during their growth period, turtles eat mainly animal food. But as they grow older, they switch to plant-based.

It should be noted that at first reptiles should be fed every day, however, in the second year they can be switched to feeding 2-3 times a week. As feed You can use both special dry and frozen food. You can buy this food at any pet store.

How to properly handle a red-eared slider?

At first glance, these reptiles may seem completely harmless, however, you should be very careful with them.

Basic safety rules:

1. The turtle should always be handled with only two hands. This is necessary to ensure that the animal does not accidentally fall out. It should be noted that the turtle may begin to bite or nip.
2. After holding the animal, you should wash your hands thoroughly.
3. It is very important that the turtle is not in places where there is homemade food.

How does this species reproduce??

It should be emphasized that turtles begin to reproduce from the age of 4, if we are talking about males, and females from 5 years. To get offspring, you should prepare the aquarium in advance. The main preparation recommendations are:

1. The water in the vessel should be no more than 10 cm. This is explained by the fact that during mating the male can keep the female under water for a very long time. Therefore, there should be little water so that she does not suffocate.
2. On the island, you should prepare a container in advance where the female can lay her eggs.

It is noteworthy that the male can only be distinguished when he is about a year old. The claws of males are not as long as those of females. In addition, the female may be slightly larger than the male.

In addition, the red-eared species needs ultraviolet light to mate. Reptiles should be cared for especially carefully during mating, since only with abundant and nutritious nutrition can they produce good offspring. It should be noted that there should only be one female and one male in the aquarium. Otherwise, males can start fights. Eggs should not be left in the aquarium; they should be moved to an incubator. If we talk about the size of the container for laying, then 1 egg needs 4 cm; one clutch can contain up to 10 eggs. There should be sand in the container, and it should be in the shade.

Little turtles are very sensitive creatures, therefore, they can often experience stress and get sick. So, you should not scare the kids and knock on the glass of the aquarium. In addition, the temperature should be kept stable around 26–27 °C if we are talking about water, and 32 °C if we are talking about air. Drafts and strong temperature changes are considered unacceptable.

To keep turtles healthy, the water must always be clean, so experts recommend installing a good filter.